Abstract
Objective. To investigate the incidence of anterior knee pain, as well as the effect of sport participation, age of onset and gender differences on the condition. Design. Questionnaires (N = 2 414), each containing 20 questions, were distributed to 10 - 17-year-old learners at 8 primary and 5 high schools in the Empangeni/Richards Bay area. The return rate was 76%. Results. Twenty-seven per cent of the respondents reported anterior knee pain. Of these, 21% experienced pain in the left knee only, 34% in the right knee only, and 45% in both knees. Furthermore, 31% had visited a medical doctor because of the knee pain, 82% reported that the pain interfered with their sport participation, and 37% had visited a physiotherapist or biokineticist, of whom 43% reported that the intervention they received was successful. Previously 37% of the subjects had taken medication for the condition. The highest incidence of anterior knee pain was reported for 12 and 13-year-old girls and 14 - 15-year-old boys, which correlates with the period of the adolescent growth spurt. The incidence of anterior knee pain was higher amongst those who participated in sport more than 3 days per week and lower amongst those who participated less than 3 days per week or not at all. Conclusions. Anterior knee pain is common amongst children between the ages of 10 and 17 years, with a peak during adolescence, especially among girls. Participation in physical activity increases the likelihood of anterior knee pain. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (2) 2007: pp. 60-64
Highlights
The highest incidence of anterior knee pain was reported for 12 and 13-year-old girls and 14 15-year-old boys, which correlates with the period of the adolescent growth spurt
The incidence of anterior knee pain was higher amongst those who participated in sport more than 3 days per week and lower amongst those who participated less than 3 days per week or not at all
Anterior knee pain is common amongst children between the ages of 10 and 17 years, with a peak during adolescence, especially among girls
Summary
A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions, printed in English and Afrikaans was distributed to learners at 8 primary and 5 high schools in the Empangeni/Richards Bay area with permission of the headmaster of each school. Girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 17 years were eligible for the study. Pupils could complete the questionnaire under the guidance of a researcher or at home with the assistance of their parents, but in most cases it was done in the presence of the researcher in class, thereby reducing the risk of bias. The protocol for the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Zululand. The questionnaire was designed based on information gleaned from a number of similar studies.[8,10,35] The majority of questions required the respondent to choose from amongst a number of answers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
